UPDATE: second night of Russian drone attacks on Kyiv

UPDATED: Monday, May 29, at 2:08 pm

Russia launched a second wave of aerial attacks on Kyiv last night, May 28, making it a second consecutive night of strikes on the Ukrainian capital. 

Ukrainian defence forces still appear to be successfully taking the majority of the potency out of these strikes, with no significant damage or casualties reported.

But if the relentless barrage is to continue this would pose difficulties for the Ukrainian capital. Mayor of Kyiv Vitalii Klitschko wrote on his official Telegram as quoted by Kyiv Independent:

“Another challenging night for the capital. However, thanks to the professionalism of our defenders, there were no damages or destruction of infrastructure and other facilities, including residential buildings, as a result of the barbaric attack against Kyiv.”

But there were also believed to be military targets and Ukraine has acknowledged that in the Khmelnytskyi region work to restore a runway has been undertaken and that five aircraft were damaged.  A large military airfield is known to have been located here.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused the West of playing with fire, as European countries plan to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

The Mail reported that Lavrov had told the BBC: “Sooner or later this escalation may get a new dimension which we do not need and do not want.” Amongst Russian threats, the UK has become the first nation to send long-range missiles known as Storm Shadow’ to help Ukraine counter Russia.

Sunday, May 28, at 2:18 pm

Russia has hit Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, with a heavy new drone attack overnight, May 27, resulting in one death and one injury, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko.

Visegrad 24 posted on Twitter echoing the official report from Ukraine’s Air Force saying: “The city of Kyiv is celebrating its 1541th birthday today. Russia decided to launch the largest suicide drone attack yet. 54 drones targeted the city overnight, 52 were shot down. Kyiv will never be dominated by Russia again!”

The city of Kyiv is celebrating its 1541th birthday today.

Russia decided to launch the largest suicide drone attack yet.

54 drones targeted the city overnight, 52 were shot down.

Kyiv will never be dominated by Russia again! https://t.co/V7dOFxgCAj

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) May 28, 2023

High-rise buildings in various parts of the capital were still set ablaze as destroyed drone fragments fell from the sky as well as some warehouses in the Holosiyivsky district.

President Volodymyr Zelensky was reported by the BBC as saying of the air defence teams: “You look up to destroy enemy missiles, aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Every time you shoot down enemy drones and missiles, lives are saved… you are heroes!”

However, the attacks left residents in a state of shock and fear, commenting on their distress at close drone encounters, blinding lights and terrifying explosions.

Russia has been accused of deliberately targeting Kyiv as the city prepared to celebrate Kyiv Day, on its formidable 1541st  anniversary since its foundation. Reports of air raid alerts and explosions came from other parts of the country.

Kamikaze drones, cruise and ballistic missiles were apparently used by Russia who seem to be upping their campaign again as Ukraine prepares for a counter-offensive. Both sides have been engaged in escalating drone attacks, targeting critical infrastructure and military installations.

Russia aims to run down Ukraine’s air defence capabilities and damage launch systems. Ukraine has been targeting key locations in the occupied regions.

With rising tensions, there are concerns that far from ending the conflict, fighting could be further escalated by the continued supply of weapons to Ukraine by Western allies. Meanwhile, President Zelensky has sought sanctions against Iran, who have reportedly been supplying Russia with drones.